These behaviours usually start gradually and many times owners do not notice them until they’re quite severe.

How common is this syndrome? About 30 per cent of all 11-year-old dogs have this condition and 100 per cent of all 16-year-old dogs are affected.

Studies have shown these dogs have amyloid protein deposits in their brains, just like those found in the brains of humans with Alzheimer’s Disease. Cognitive dysfunction is also associated with low levels of dopamine — a neurotransmitter — in the brain.

Treatments for canine cognitive dysfunction can include medications, herbal remedies, dietary changes and modification of the environment.

L-Deprenyl, or Anipryl, is the medication most commonly used to help these pets. L-Deprenyl reduces the free radicals in the brain and helps the dopamine to stay around longer. This is effective in about 70 per cent of dogs and the earlier it’s started the better. Natural therapies such as melatonin for sleep or anxiety disorders, Chinese herbal therapies, homeopathy and acupuncture can also be quite helpful.

Dietary supplements with Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Coenzyme Q 10 and antioxidant vitamins are also recommended. A good, balanced, natural diet (homemade or otherwise) with colourful fruits and vegetables added is extremely important because of the levels of antioxidants and anti-inflammatories.

Environmental enrichment has been shown to help these dogs as well. Grooming and petting, teaching new tricks, varying routes during walks, playing with toys and playing with other dogs are all things you can do to help improve your old dog’s life. In fact, dietary changes and enrichment are the two most effective tools in the treatment of canine cognitive dysfunction. It’s more effective than any medication, a recent study has shown.

By doing some of these simple things you can help your dog learn to manage old age. Be sure to contact your veterinarian if you are concerned about this problem.

Comments

We encourage all readers to share their views on our articles and blog posts. We are committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion, so we ask you to avoid personal attacks, and please keep your comments relevant and respectful. If you encounter a comment that is abusive, click the "X" in the upper right corner of the comment box to report spam or abuse. We are using Facebook commenting. Visit our FAQ page for more information.

Almost Done!

Postmedia wants to improve your reading experience as well as share the best deals and promotions from our advertisers with you. The information below will be used to optimize the content and make ads across the network more relevant to you. You can always change the information you share with us by editing your profile.

By clicking "Create Account", I hearby grant permission to Market to use my account information to create my account.

I also accept and agree to be bound by Postmedia's Terms and Conditions with respect to my use of the Site and I have read and understand Postmedia's Privacy Statement. I consent to the collection, use, maintenance, and disclosure of my information in accordance with the Postmedia's Privacy Policy.

Postmedia wants to improve your reading experience as well as share the best deals and promotions from our advertisers with you. The information below will be used to optimize the content and make ads across the network more relevant to you. You can always change the information you share with us by editing your profile.

By clicking "Create Account", I hearby grant permission to Postmedia to use my account information to create my account.

I also accept and agree to be bound by Postmedia's Terms and Conditions with respect to my use of the Site and I have read and understand Postmedia's Privacy Statement. I consent to the collection, use, maintenance, and disclosure of my information in accordance with the Postmedia's Privacy Policy.